Isothiazole carboxylic acid amides and the application thereof in order to protect plants

ABSTRACT

Novel isothiazolecarboxamides of the formula                    
     in which 
     R is as defined in the description, 
     a plurality of processes for preparing the novel compounds and their use for protecting plants against attack by undesirable microorganisms and animal pests.

This is a Divisional Application of Ser. No. 09/530,721, filed May 3,2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,791.

The present invention relates to novel isothiazolecarboxamides, to aplurality of processes for their preparation and to their use forprotecting plants against attack by undesirable microorganisms andanimal pests.

It is already known that numerous isothiazolecarboxylic acid derivativeshave fungicidal properties (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,951 and JP-A 06-009313). Thus, for example, N-ethyl-3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamideand 3,4,4′-trichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxanilide can be employed forcontrolling fungi. The activity of these compounds is good, but in somecases leaves something to be desired at low application rates.

This invention, accordingly, provides novel isothiazolecarboxamides ofthe formula

in which

R represents a radical of the formula

R¹ represents cyano, phenyl or cycloalkyl having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R² represents —C(CH₃)₃,

 cycloalkyl having 3 to 7 carbon atoms or represents —CH₂—S—R³, where

R³ represents alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or represents phenylwhich is optionally substituted by halogen and/or alkyl having 1 to 6carbon atoms, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R⁴ represents hydrogen or N,N-dialkylaminomethyl having 1 to 4 carbonatoms in each alkyl moiety, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R⁵ represents hydrogen or alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and

R⁶ represents alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkyl having 1 to 6carbon atoms, optionally halogen-substituted phenyl or representsoptionally halogen-substituted phenoxy, or

R⁵ represents optionally halogen-substituted phenoxy and

R⁶ represents hydrogen, or

R represents a radical of the formula

R⁷ represents alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

R⁸ represents alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and

R⁹ represents hydrogen or a radical of the formula

 or

R represents a radical of the formal

 in which

R¹⁰ represents halogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or alkoxyhaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms and

n represents integers from 0 to 3.

Furthermore, it has been found that isothiazolecarboxamides of theformula (I) are obtained when

a) 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonyl chloride of the formula

 is reacted with amines of the formula

H₂N—R  (III)

 in which

R is as defined above,

if appropriate in the presence of an acid binder and if appropriate inthe presence of a diluent, or

b) 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide of the formula

 is reacted with hydroxyl compounds of the formula

HO—CH₂—X  (V)

 in which

x represents a radical of the formula

R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁸ are each as defined above,

 in the presence of a diluent and in the presence of a dehydratingagent.

Finally, it has been found that the isothiazolecarboxamides of theformula (I) are highly suitable for protecting plants against attack byundesirable microorganisms. The compounds according to the invention aresuitable both for mobilizing defences of the plants against attack byundesirable microorganisms and as microbicides for the direct control ofthe microorganisms. Additionally, the compounds according to theinvention also exhibit activity against plant-damaging animals.

Surprisingly, the compounds according to the invention have bettermicrobicidal activity thanN-ethyl-3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide and3,4,4′-trichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxanilide, which are constitutionallysimilar prior-art active compounds of the same direction of action.

The formula (I) provides a general definition of theisothiazolecarboxamides according to the invention. Preference is givento compounds of the formula (I) in which

R represents a radical of the formula

R¹ represents cyano, phenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R² represents —C(CH₃)₃,

 cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or represents —CH₂—S—R³ where

R³ represents alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or represents phenylwhich is optionally mono- to trisubstituted by identical or differentconstituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine,bromine and alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R⁴ represents hydrogen or N,N-dialkyl-aminomethyl having 1 or 2 carbonatoms in each alkyl moiety, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R⁵ represents hydrogen or alkoxy having 1 or 2 carbon atoms and

R⁶ represents alkoxy having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, alkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms, phenyl which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted byidentical or different substituents selected from the group consistingof fluorine, chlorine and bromine or represents phenoxy which isoptionally mono- to trisubstituted by identical or differentsubstituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine; chlorineand bromine, or

R⁵ represents phenoxy which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted byidentical or different substituents selected from the group consistingof fluorine, chlorine and bromine and

R⁶ represents hydrogen, or

R represents a radical of the formula

 or —CH₂—CH₂—O—R⁹ in which

R⁷ represents methyl or ethyl,

R⁸ represents methyl or ethyl and

R⁹ represents hydrogen or a radical of the formula

or

R represents a radical of the formula

in which

R¹⁰ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, methoxy orethoxy and

n represents integers from 0 to 3, where R¹⁰ represents identical ordifferent radicals if n represents 2 or 3.

The abovementioned substituent definitions can be combined among eachother. Additionally, individual definitions may be redundant.

Using 3,4-dichloro-isotbiazole-5-carbonyl chloride and 2-cyanoaniline asstarting materials, the course of the process (a) according to theinvention can be illustrated by the equation below.

Using 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide andN-fornyl-N-hydroxy-methyl-methylamine as starting materials, the courseof the process (b) according to the invention can be illustrated by theequation below.

The 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonyl chloride of the formula (II)required as starting material for carrying out the process (a) accordingto the invention is known (cf U.S. Pat. No. 5 240 951).

The formula (III) provides a general definition of the aminesfurthermore required as reaction components for carrying out the process(a) according to the invention. In this formula, R preferably has thosemeanings which have already been mentioned in connection with thedescription of the compounds of the formula (I) according to theinvention as being preferred for this radical.

The amines of the formula (III) are known or can be prepared by knownmethods.

Suitable acid binders for carrying out the process (a) according to theinvention are all customary inorganic or organic bases. Preference isgiven to using alkaline earth metal or alkali metal hydrides,hydroxides, amides, alkoxides, acetates, carbonates or bicarbonates,such as sodium hydride, sodium amide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide,potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodiumacetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, furthermore ammonium hydroxide,ammonium acetate or ammonium carbonate, or tertiary amines, such astrimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline,N,N-dimethyl-benzylamine, pyridine, N-methylpiperidine,N-methylmorpholine, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, diazabicyclooctane(DABCO), diazabicyclononene (DBN) or diazabicycloundecene (DBU).

Suitable diluents for carrying out the process (a) according to theinvention are all inert organic solvents. Preference is given to usingaliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as petroleum ether,hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, benzene, toluene,xylene or decalin; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene,dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride,dichlorethane or trichloroethane; ethers, such as diethyl ether,diisopropyl ether, methyl-t-butyl ether, methyl-t-amyl ether, dioxane,tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane or anisole;nitriles, such as acetonitrile, propionitrile, n- or i-butyronitrile orbenzonitrile; amides, such as N,N-dimethylformarnmide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylformanilide, N-methylpyrrolidone orhexamethylphosphoric acid triamide; esters such as methyl acetate orethyl acetate; sulphoxides, such as dimethylsulphoxide; sulphones, suchas sulpholane.

When carrying out the process (a) according to the invention thereaction temperatures can be varied within a relatively wide range. Ingeneral, the reaction is carried out at temperatures between −10° C. and+150° C., preferably between 0° C. and 100° C.

The process (a) according to the invention is generally carried outunder atmospheric pressure. However, it is also possible to operateunder elevated or, if no volatile components take part in the reaction,under reduced pressure.

When carrying out the process (a) according to the invention, generally1 to 5 mol, preferably 1 to 2 mol, of amine of the formula (III) and anequivalent amount or an excess of acid binder are employed per mole of3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonyl chloride of the formula (II).Work-up is carried out by customary methods. In general, the reactionmixture is concentrated after the reaction has ended, the residue thatremains is admixed with water and an organic solvent which is sparinglymiscible with water, the organic phase is separated off, washed, driedand concentrated. The product that remains can be freed of anyimpurities that may be present by customary methods.

The 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxarnide of the formula (IV) requiredas starting material for carrying out the process (b) according to theinvention is known (cf U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,951).

The formula (V) provides a general definition of the hydroxyl compoundsfurthermore required as reaction components for carrying out the process(b) according to the invention. In this formula

X preferably represents a radical of the formula

 in which

R⁴ represents hydrogen or N,N-dialkyl-aminomethyl having 1 or 2 carbonatoms in each alkyl moiety,

R⁵ represents hydrogen or alkoxy having 1 or 2 carbon atoms,

R⁶ represents alkoxy having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, alkyl having 1 to 4carbon atoms, phenyl which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted byidentical or different substituents selected from the group consistingof fluorine, chlorine and bromine or represents phenoxy which isoptionally mono- to trisubstituted by identical or differentsubstituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorineand bromine, or

R⁵ represents phenoxy which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted byidentical or different substituents selected from the group consistingof fluorine, chlorine and bromine and

R⁶ represents hydrogen and

R⁸ represents methyl or ethyl.

The hydroxyl compounds of the formula (V) are known or can be preparedby known methods.

Suitable diluents for carrying out the process (b) according to theinvention are all inert organic solvents which are customary for suchreactions. Preference is given to using glacial acetic acid.

Suitable dehydrating agents for carrying out the process (b) accordingto the invention are all customary reagents which are capable ofdehydration. Preference is giving to using acids, such as sulphuric acidor p-toluenesulphonic acid, and also drying agents, such as anhydroussilica gel.

When carrying out the process (b) according to the invention, thereaction temperatures can again be varied within a relatively widerange. In general, the reaction is carried out at temperatures between0° C. and 150° C., preferably between 10° C. and 130° C.

The process (b) according to the invention is likewise generally carriedout under atmospheric pressure. However, it is also possible to carryout the process under elevated or reduced pressure.

When carrying out the process (b) according to the invention, generally1 to 2 mol, preferably 1 to 1.5 mol, of hydroxyl compound of formula (V)and 2 to 6 mol of dehydrating agent are employed per mole of3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide of the formula (IV). Work-up iscarried out by customary methods. In general, the reaction mixture isadmixed with water and then extracted with an organic solvent which issparingly miscible with water, and the combined organic phases are driedand concentrated under reduced pressure. The product that remains can befreed of any impurities that may still be present by customary methods.

The active compounds according to the invention have a strongplant-strengthening activity in plants. They are therefore suitable formobilizing the defences of the plant against attack by undesirablemicroorganisms.

In the present context, plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing)compounds are compounds which are capable of stimulating the defensivesystem of plants in such a way that the treated plants, whensubsequently inoculated with undesirable microorganisms, developsubstantial resistance against these microorganisms.

In the present case, undesirable microorganisms are phytopathogenicfungi, bacteria and viruses. The compounds according to the inventioncan thus be employed to protect plants for a certain period of timeafter the treatment against the attack by the abovementioned harmfulorganisms. The period of time for which protection is provided generallyextends from 1 to 10 days, preferably from 1 to 7 days, after thetreatment of the plants with the active compounds.

In addition to the plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing) activity,the active compounds according to the invention also have strongmicrobicidal activity and are additionally employed in practice for thedirect control of undesirable microorganisms.

The active compounds are suitable for use as crop protection agents, inparticular as fungicides.

In crop protection, the undesirable microorganisms include fungi fromthe classes of the Plasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes,Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes.

Some causative organisms of fungal diseases which come under the genericnames listed above may be mentioned as examples, but not by way oflimitation:

Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythium ultimum;

Phytophthora species, such as, for example, Phytophthora infestans;

Pseudoperonospora species, such as, for example, Pseudoperonosporahumuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis;

Plasmopara species, such as, for example, Plasmopara viticola;

Peronospora species, such as, for example, Peronospora pisi orPeronospora brassicae;

Erysiphe species, such as, for example, Erysiphe graminis;

Sphaerotheca species, such as, for example, Sphaerotheca fuliginea;

Podosphaera species, such as, for example, Podosphaera leucotricha;

Venturia species, such as, for example, Venturia inaequalis;

Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophora teres orPyrenophora graminea (conidia form: Drechslera, syn.: Helminthospofium);

Cochliobolus species, such as, for example, Cochliobolus sativus(conidia form: Drechslera, syn.: Helminthosporium);

Uromyces species, such as, for example, Uromyces appendiculatus;

Puccinia species, such as, for example, Puccinia recondita;

Tilletia species, such as, for example, Tilletia caries;

Ustilago species, such as, for example, Ustilago nuda or Ustilagoavenae;

Pellicularia species, such as, for example, Pellicularia sasakii;

Pyricularia species, such as, for example, Pyricularia oryzae;

Fusarium species, such as, for example, Fusarium culmorum;

Botrytis species, such as, for example, Botrytis cinerea;

Septoria species, such as, for example, Septoria nodorum;

Leptosphaeria species, such as, for example, Leptosphaeria nodorum;

Cercospora species, such as, for example, Cercospora canescens;

Alternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria brassicae;

Pseudocercosporella species, such as, for example, Pseudocercosporellaherpotrichoides.

The good crop safety of the active compounds at the concentrationsnecessary for controlling plant diseases permits a treatment ofabove-ground parts of plants, and also a treatment of vegetativepropagation stock and seed and of the soil.

The active compounds according to the invention can be used hereparticularly successfully for controlling cereal diseases, such as, forexample, against Erysiphe species, or of diseases in viticulture and infruit and vegetable growing, such as, for example, against Plasmopara orVenturia species, or of rice diseases, such as, for example, againstPyricularia species. Other plant diseases, such as, for example,Septoria, Cochliobolus, Pyrenophora and Pseudocercosporella species, canalso be controlled successfully with the active compounds according tothe invention, and specific mention may be made of Drechslera teres.

The active compounds according to the invention are also suitable forincreasing the harvest yield. Additionally, they have reduced toxicityand good crop safety.

The active compounds which can be employed according to the invention,having good crop tolerance and homeotherm safety, are also suitable forcontrolling animal pests, in particular insects, arachnids andnematodes, which are encountered in agriculture, in forests, inhorticulture, in the protection of stored products and of materials, andin the hygiene sector and in veterinary medicine. They are activeagainst normally sensitive and resistant species and against pests inall or some stages of development. The abovementioned animal pestsinclude:

From the order of Isopoda, for example, Oniscus asellus, Armadillidiumvulgare and Porcellio scaber.

From the order of the Diplopoda, for example, Blaniulus guttulatus.

From the order of the Chilopoda, for example, Geophilus carpophagus andScutigera spec.

From the order of the Symphyla, for example, Scutigerella immaculata.

From the order of the Thysanura, for example, Lepisma saccharina.

From the order of the Collembola, for example, Onychiurus armatus.

From the order of the Orthoptera, for example, Blatta orientalis,Periplaneta americana, Leucophaea maderae, Blatella germanica, Achetadomesticus, Gryllotalpa spp., Locusta migratoria migratorioides,Melanoplus differentialis and Schistocerca gregaria.

From the order of the Dermaptera, for example, Forficula auricularia.

From the order of the Isoptera, for example, Reticulitermes spp.

From the order of the Anoplura, for example, Pediculus humanus corporis,Haematopinus spp. and Linognathus spp.

From the order of the Mallophaga, for example, Trichodectes spp. andDamalinea spp.

From the order of the Thysanoptera, for example, Hercinothrips femoralisand Thrips tabaci.

From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Eurygaster spp.,Dysdercus intermedius, Piesma quadrata, Cimex lectularius, Rhodniusprolixus and Triatoma spp.

From the order of the Homoptera, for example, Aleurodes brassicae,Bemisia tabaci, Tnialeurodes vaporariorum, Aphis gossypii, Brevicorynebrassicae, Cryptomyzus ribis, Aphis fabae, Aphis pomi, Eriosomalanigerum, Hyalopterus arundinis, Phylloxera vastatrix, Pemphigus spp.,Macrosiphum avenae, Myzus spp., Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum padi,Empoasca spp., Euscelis bilobatus, Nephotettix cincticeps, Lecaniumcorni, Saissetia oleae, Laodelphax striatellus, Nilaparvata lugens,Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotus hederae, Pseudococcus spp. and Psyllaspp.

From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Pectinophoragossypiella, Bupalus piniarius, Cheimatobia brumata, Lithocolletisblancardella, Hyponomeuta padella, Plutella maculipennis, Malacosomaneustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Lymantria spp., Bucculatrixthurberiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Agrotis spp., Euxoa spp., Feltiaspp., Earias insulana, Heliothis spp., Spodoptera exigua, Mamestrabrassicae, Panolis flammea, Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera spp.,Trichoplusia ni, Carpocapsa pomonella, Pieris spp., Chilo spp., Pyraustanubilalis, Ephestia kuehniella, Galleria mellonella, Tineolabisselliella, Tinea pellionella, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Cacoeciapodana, Capua reticulana, Choristoneura fumiferana, Clysia ambiguella,Homona magnanima and Tortrix viridana.

From the order of the Coleoptera, for example, Anobium punctatum,Rhizopertha dominica, Bruchidius obtectus, Acanthoscelides obtectus,Hylotrupes bajulus, Agelastica alni, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Phaedoncochleariae, Diabrotica spp., Psylliodes chrysocephala, Epilachnavarivestis, Atomaria spp., Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Anthonomus spp.,Sitophilus spp., Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Cosmopolites sordidus,Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Hypera postica, Dermestes spp., Trogodermaspp., Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp., Lyctus spp., Meligethes aeneus,Ptinus spp., Niptus hololeucus, Gibbium psylloides, Tribolium spp.,Tenebrio molitor, Agriotes spp., Conoderus spp., Melolontha melolontha,Amphimallon solstitialis and Costelytra zealandica.

From the order of the Hyrenoptera, for example, Diprion sppi ,Hoplocampa spp., Lasius spp., Monomorium pharaonis and Vespa spp.

From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp.,Culex spp., Drosophila melanogaster, Musca spp., Fannia spp., Calliphoraerythrocephala, Lucilia spp., Chrysomypa spp., Cuterebra spp.,Gastrophilus spp., Hyppobosca spp., Stomoxys spp., aestrus spp.,Hypoderma spp., Tabanus spp., Tannia spp., Bibio hortulanus, Oscinellafrit, Phorbia spp., Pegomyia hyoscyami, Ceratitis capitata, Dacus oleaeand Tipula paludosa.

From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Xenopsylla cheopis andCeratophyllus spp.

From the order of the Arachnida, for example, Scorpio maurus andLatrodectus mactans.

From the order of the Acarina, for example, Acarus siro, Argas spp.,Omithodoros spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, EriopMyes ribis, Phyllocoptrutaoleivora, Boophilus spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp., Hyalommaspp., Ixodes spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Sarcoptes spp.,Tarsonemus spp., Bryobia praetiosa, Panonychus spp. and Tetranychus spp.

The phytoparasitic nematodes include, for example, Pratylenchus spp.,Radopholus similis, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Tylenchulus semipenetrans,Heterodera spp., Globodera spp., Meloidogyne spp., Aphelenchoides spp.,Longidorus spp., Xiphinema spp. and Trichodorus spp.

The compounds which can be used according to the invention can beemployed particularly successfully for controlling plant-damaging mites,such as against the greenhouse red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) orfor controlling plant-damaging insects, such as against the caterpillarsof the diamond-back moth (Plutella maculipennis), the larvae of themustard beetle (Phaedon cochleariae), and also the green rice leafhopper (Nephotettix cincticeps).

The compounds according to the invention additionally have herbicidalactivity.

Depending on their particular physical and/or chemical properties, theactive compounds can be converted to the customary formulations, such assolutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, pastes, granules,aerosols and microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coatingcompositions for seeds, and ULV cool and warm fogging formulations.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixingthe active compounds with extenders, that is, liquid solvents, liquefiedgases under pressure, and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use ofsurfactants, that is emulsifiers and/or dispersants, and/or foamformers. If the extender used is water, it is also possible to use, forexample, organic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquidsolvents are essentially: aromatics such as xylene, toluene oralkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatichydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylenechloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, forexample petroleum fractions, alcohols such as butanol or glycol andtheir ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such asdimethylformamide or dimethyl sulphoxide, or else water. Liquefiedgaseous extenders or carriers are to be understood as meaning liquidswhich are gaseous at standard temperature and under atmosphericpressure, for example aerosol propellants such as halogenatedhydrocarbons, or else butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.Suitable solid carriers are: for example ground natural minerals such askaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite ordiatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals such as highlydisperse silica, alumina and silicates. Suitable solid carriers forgranules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such ascalcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, or else syntheticgranules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organicmaterial such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.Suitable emulsifiers and/or foam formers are: for example nonionic andanionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters,polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycolethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, or elseprotein hydrolysates. Suitable dispersants are: for examplelignin-sulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

Tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and syntheticpolymers in the form of powders, granules or latices, such as gumarabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, or else naturalphospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and syntheticphospholipids, can be used in the formulations. Other possible additivesare mineral and vegetable oils.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for exampleiron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs suchas alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs and metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs,and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper,cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

The formulations generally comprise between 0.1 and 95 per cent byweight of active compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

The active compounds according to the invention can be used as such orin their formulations also mixed with known fungicides, bactericides,acaricides, nematicides or insecticides in order thus, for example, towiden the spectrum of action or to prevent development of resistance. Inmany cases, synergistic effects are achieved, i.e. the activity of themixture exceeds the activity of the individual components.

EXAMPLES OF CO-COMPONENTS IN MIXTURES ARE THE FOLLOWING COMPOUNDS:FUNGICIDES

aldimorph, ampropylfos, ampropylfos potassium, andoprim, anilazine,azaconazole, azoxystrobin,

benalaxyl, benodanil, benomyl, benzamacril, benzamacril-isobutyl,bialaphos, binapacryl, biphenyl, bitertanol, blasticidin-S,bromuconazole, bupirimate, buthiobate,

calcium polysulphide, capsimycin, captafol, captan, carbendazim,carboxin, carvon, quinomethionate, chlobenthiazone, chlorfenazole,chloroneb, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, chlozolinate, clozylacon,cufraneb, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, cyprofuram,

debacarb, dichlorophen, diclobutrazole, diclofluanid, diclomezine,dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, dimethirimol, dimethomorph,diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dinocap, diphenylamine, dipyrithione,ditalimfos, dithianon, dodemorph, dodine, drazoxolon,

edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethirimol, etridiazole,

famoxadon, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenitropan,fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin acetate, fentinhydroxide, ferbam, ferinzone, fluazinam, flumetover, fluoromide,fluquinconazole, flurprimidol, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil,flutriafol, folpet, fosetyl-aluminium, fosetyl-sodium, fthalide,fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furcarbonil, furconazole,furconazole-cis, furmecyclox,

guazatine,

hexachlorobenzene, hexaconazole, hymexazole,

imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine albesilate,iminoctadine triacetate, iodocarb, ipconazole, iprobenfos (IBP),iprodione, irumamycin, isoprothiolane, isovaledione,

kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, copper preparations, such as: copperhydroxide, copper naphthenate, copper oxychloride, copper sulphate,copper oxide, oxine-copper and Bordeaux mixture,

mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, meferimzone, mepanipyrim, mepronil,metalaxyl, metconazole, methasulfocarb, methfuroxam, metiram,metomeclam, metsulfovax, mildiomycin, myclobutanil, myclozolin,

nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol,

ofurace, oxadixyl, oxamocarb, oxolinic acid, oxycarboxim, oxyfenthiin,

paclobutrazole, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, phosdiphen,pimaricin, piperalin, polyoxin, polyoxorim, probenazole, prochloraz,procymidone, propamocarb, propanosine-sodium, propiconazole, propineb,pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, pyroxyfur,

quinconazole, quintozene (PCNB),

sulphur and sulphur preparations,

tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tetcyclasis, tetraconazole,thiabendazole, thicyofen, thifluzamide, thiopbanate-metbyl, thiram,tioxymid, tolclofos-methyl, tolyifluanid, triadirnefon, triadimenol,triazbutil, triazoxide, trichiamide, tricyclazole, tridemorph,triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole,

uniconazole,

validamycin A, vinclozolin, viniconazole,

zarilamide, zineb, ziram and also

Dagger G,

OK-8705,

OK-8801,

α-(1,1-dirnethylethyl)-β-(2-phenoxyethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol,

α-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-β-fluoro-β-propyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol,

α-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-β-methoxy-α-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol,

α-(5-methyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)-β-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-methylene]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol,

(5 RS,6RS)-6-hydroxy-2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-tniazol-1-yl)-3-octanone,(E)-α-(metboxyimino)-N-methyl-2-phenoxy-phenylacetamide,

isopropyl{2-methyl-1-[[[1-(4-methylphenyl)-ethyl]-amino]-carbonyl])-propyl)}-carbamate,

1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-ethanone-O-(phenylmethyl)-oxime,

1-(2-methyl-1-naphthalenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione,

1-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-(2-propenyl)-2,5-pyrrolidinedione,

1-[(diiodomethyl)-sulphonyl]-4-methyl-benzene,

1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]-methyl]-1H-imidazole,

1-[[2-(4-chlorophenyl)3-phenyloxiranyl]-methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole,

1-[1-[2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-methoxy]-phenyl]-ethenyl]-1H-imidazole,

1-methyl-5-nonyl-2-(phenylmethyl)-3-pyrrolidinole,

2′,6′-dibromo-2-methyl-4′-trifluoromethoxy4′-trifluoro-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxanilide,

2,2-dichloro-N-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethyl]-1-ethyl-3-methyl-cyclopropanecarboxamide,

2,6-dichloro-5-(methylthio)-4-pyrimidinyl-thiocyanate,

2,6-dichloro-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-benzamide,

2,6-dichloro-N-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-methyl ]-benzamide,

2-(2,3,3-triiodo-2-propenyl)-2H-tetrazole,

2-[(1-methylethyl)-sulphonyl]-5-(trichloromethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole,

2-[[6-deoxy-4-O-(4-O-methyl-β-D-glycopyranosyl)-α-D-glucopyranosyl]-amino]-4-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile,

2-aminobutane,

2-bromo-2-(bromomethyl)-pentanedinitrile,

2-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,1,3-trimethyl-1H-inden-4-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide,

2-chloro-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(isothiocyanatomethyl)-acetamide,

2-phenylphenol (OPP),

3,4-dichloro-1-[4-(difluoromethoxy)-phenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione,

3,5-dichloro-N-[cyano-[(1-methyl-2-propinyl)-oxy]-methyl]-benzamide,

3-(1,1-dimethylpropyl-1-oxo-1H-indene-2-carbonitrile,

3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxy-3-isoxazolidinyl]-pyridine,

4-chloro-2-cyano-N,N-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazole-1-sulphonamide,4-methyl-tetrazolof 1,5-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one,

8-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-N-ethyl-N-propyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane-2-methaneamine,

8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate,

9H-xanthene-2-[(phenylamino)-carbonyl]-9-carboxylic hydrazide,

bis-(1-methylethyl)-3-methyl-4-[(3-methylbenzoyl)-oxy]-2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate,

cis-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-cycloheptanol,

cis4-[3-[4-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-phenyl-2-methylpropyl]-2,6-dimethylmorpholinehydrochloride,

ethyl [(4-chlorophenyl)-azo]-cyanoacetate,

potassium hydrogen carbonate,

methanetetrathiol sodium salt,

methyl1-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate,

methyl N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(5-isoxazolylcarbonyl)-DL-alaninate,

methyl N-(chloroacetyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-DL-alaninate,

N-(2,3-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methyl-cyclohexanecarboxamide,

N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydro-2-oxo-3-furanyl)-acetamide,

N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydro-2-oxo-3-thienyl)-acetamide,

N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)4-methyl-3-nitro-benzenesulphonamide,

N-(4-cyclohexylphenyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidineamine,

N-(4-hexylphenyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidineamine,

N-(5-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-acetaride,

N-(6-methoxy)-3-pyridinyl)-cyclopropanecarboxamide,

N-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-[(chloroacetyl)-amino]-ethyl]-benzamide,

N-[3-chloro-4,5-bis-(2-propinyloxy)-phenyl]-N′-methoxy-methaneimidamide,

N-formyl-N-hydroxy-DL-alanine-sodium salt,

O,O-diethyl [2-(dipropylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-ethylphosphoramidothioate,

O-methyl S-phenyl phenylpropylphosphoramidothioate,

S-methyl 1,2,3-benzothiadiazole-7-carbothioate,

spiro[2H)-1-benzopyrane-2,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one.

BACTERICIDES

bromopol, dichlorophen, nitrapyrin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate,kasugamycin,

octhilinone, furancarboxylic acid, oxytetracyclin, probenazole,streptomycin,

tecloftalam, copper sulphate and other copper preparations.

INSECTICIDES/ACARICIDES/NEMATICIDES

abamectin, acephate, acrinathrin, alanycarb, aldicarb, alphamethrin,amitraz, avermectin, AZ 60541, azadirachtin, azinphos A, azinphos M,azocyclotin,

Bacillus thuringiensis,4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5-(trifluoro-methyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile,bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap, betacyfluthrin, bifenthrin, BPMC,brofenprox, bromopbos A, bufencarb, buprofezin, butocarboxin,butylpyridaben,

cadusafos, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbopbenothion, carbosulfan, cartap,chloethocarb, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenvinphos,chlorfluazuron, chlormephos,N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)-methyl]-N′-cyano-N-methyl-ethaneimidamide,chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos M, cis-resmethrin, clocythrin, clofentezine,cyanophos, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin,cypermethrin, cyromazine,

deltamethrin, demeton M, demeton S, demeton S-methyl, diafenthiuron,diazinon, dichlofenthion, dichlorvos, dicliphos, dicrotophos, diethion,diflubenzuron, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, dioxathion, disulfoton,

edifenphos, emamectin, esfenvalerate, ethiofencarb, ethion, ethofenprox,ethoprophos, etrimphos,

fenamiphos, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide, fenitrothion, fenobucarb,fenothiocarb, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenpyrad, fenpyroximate,fenthion, fenvalerate, fipronil, fluazinam, fluazuron, flucycloxuron,flucythrinate, flufenoxuron, flufeiiprox, fluvalinate, fonophos,formothion, fosthiazate, fubfenprox, furathiocarb,

HCH, heptenophos, hexaflumuron, hexythiazox,

imidacloprid, iprobenfos, isazophos, isofenphos, isoprocarb, isoxathion,ivermectin,

lambda-cyhalothrin, lufenuron,

malathion, mecarbam, mervinphos, mesulfenphos, metaldehyde, methacrifos,methamidophos, methidathion, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb,milbemectin, monocrotophos, moxidectin,

naled, NC 184, nitenpyram, omethoate, oxamyl, oxydemethon M,oxydeprofos,

parathion A, parathion M, permethrin, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone,phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimicarb, pirimiphos M, pirimiphos A,profenofos, promecarb, propaphos, propoxur, prothiofos, prothoate,pymetrozin, pyrachlophos, pyridaphenthion, pyresmethrin, pyrethrum,pyridaben, pyrimidifen, pyriproxifen,

quinalphos,

salithion, sebufos, silafluofen, sulfotep, sulprofos,

tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tebupirimiphos, teflubenzuron, tefluthrin,temephos, terbam, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiafenox, thiodicarb,thiofanox, thiomethon, thionazin, thuringiensin, tralomethrin,triarathen, triazophos, triazuron, trichlorfon, triflumuron,trimethacarb,

vamidothion, XMC, xylylcarb, zetamethrin.

It is also possible to admix other known active compounds, such asherbicides, or else fertilizers and growth-promoting substances.

The active compounds can be used as such, in the form of theirformulations or the use forms prepared therefrom, such as ready-to-usesolutions, suspensions, wettable powders, pastes, soluble powders, dustsand granules. They are used in the customary manner, for example bypouring, spraying, atomizing, spreading, dusting, foaming, brushing onand the like. It is further possible to apply the active compounds bythe ultra-low volume method or to inject the active compoundformulation, or the active compound itself, into the soil. The seed ofthe plants can also be treated.

When using the active compounds according to the invention forcontrolling microorganisms, the application rates can be varied within arelatively wide range, depending on the kind of application. Whentreating parts of plants, the active compound application rates aregenerally between 0.1 and 10,000 g/ha, preferably between 10 and 1000g/ha. When treating seed, the active compound application rates aregenerally between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of seed, preferablybetween 0.01 and 10 g per kilogram of seed. When treating the soil, theactive compound application rates are generally between 0.1 and 10,000g/ha, preferably between 1 and 5000 g/ha.

When used against animal pests, the compounds according to the inventionmay also be present in commercial formulations and in the use formsprepared from these formulations as a mixture with synergists.Synergists are compounds which increase the activity of the activecompounds, without it being necessary for the synergist which is addedto be active itself.

The active compound content of the use forms prepared from thecommercial formulations can vary within wide ranges. The active compoundconcentration of the use form may be from 0.0000001 to 95% by weight ofactive compound, preferably between 0.0001 and 1% by weight.

Application is carried out in a manner adapted to the use forms.

The preparation and the use of the active compounds according to theinvention is illustrated by the examples below.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES Example 1

At 5 to 10° C. and with stirring, 38.1 g (0.15 mol) of3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonyl chloride are added dropwise over aperiod of 10 minutes to a mixture of 20.8 g (0.1725 mol) of2-cyano-aniline and 250 ml of pyridine. After the addition, the reactionmixture is admixed with 70 ml of absolute tetrahydrofuran and 30 ml ofpyridine, allowed to warm to room temperature and then stirred at roomtemperature for 75 minutes. The reaction mixture is sibsequentlyconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue that remains is stirredwith 800 ml of water and 800 ml of ethyl acetate. The precipitate whichis present in the two-phase mixture is filtered off, washed with ethylacetate and dried. This gives 31.7 g of a crystalline product of meltingpoint 191 to 193° C.

The aqueous phase of the two-phase filtrate is separated off andextracted twice with 150 ml of ethyl acetate each time. The combinedorganic phases are dried over sodium sulphate and then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue that remains is stirred with 100 mlof petroleum ether and 25 ml of ethyl acetate. The resulting solid isfiltered off with suction, rinsed with ethyl acetate and dried.

In this manner, a total of 40 g (89% of theory) of2′-cyano-3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxanilide are obtained in theform of a solid substance of melting point 191 to 193° C.

Preparation of the Starting Material

At room temperature, 146 g (1.23 mol) of thionyl chloride are addeddropwise with stirring over a period of 5 minutes to 8.92 g (0.045 mol)of 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxylic acid. Four drops ofdimethylformamide are then added and the reaction mixture is heatedunder reflux for one hour. The reaction mixture is subsequently cooledto room temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. In thismanner, 12.19 g of 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonyl chloride areobtained in the form of an orange oil.

Example 2

At room temperature, 15 g (0.164 mol) ofN-formyl-N-hydroxymethyl-methylarnine are added with stirring to amixture of 32.3 g (0.164 mol) of 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamideand 245 ml of glacial acetic acid. At room temperature, 37 g (0.362 mol)of concentrated sulphuric acid are then added dropwise with stirring,the reaction mixture being cooled with ice. The reaction mixture issubsequently stirred at room temperature for 29 hours and then, withice-cooling, admixed with 400 ml of water. The resulting mixture isextracted four times with 200 ml of methylene chloride and the combinedorganic phases are dried over sodium sulphate and then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The oily residue that remains is chromatographedover silica gel using ethyl acetate. Concentration of the eluate gives20.7 g (42.6% of theory) ofN-(N-formyl-N-methy-aminomethyl)-3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxarnidein the form of a crystalline solid of melting point 87 to 88° C.

Preparation of the Starting Material

At 0 to 10° C., 50.1 g (0.2 mol) of 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carbonylchloride are added dropwise with stirring over a period of 30 minutes to82 g (1.2 mol) of concentrated ammonia. After the addition, another 41 g(0.6 mol) of concentrated ammonia are added and the mixture is dilutedwith 70 ml of water. The mixture is allowed to warm to room temperatureand stirred at this temperature for 45 minutes. The resultingprecipitate is filtered off with suction, washed successive with waterand petroleum ether and dried. In this manner, 32.3 g (81.8% of theory)of 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide are obtained in the form of asolid of melting point 156 to 158° C.

The compounds of the formula (I) listed in the Table below are alsoprepared by the abovementioned methods.

TABLE 1

Example No. R Physical Constants 3

m.p. = 148-149° C. 4

log P =4.81*); λ =218, 244 and 266 nm**) 5

log P = 4.86; λ = 234 and 270 nm 6

log p = 4.79; λ = 232 and 270 nm 7

log P = 3.15; λ = 242 and 266 nm 8

m.p. = 91-92° C. 9

m.p. = 171-172° C. l0

m.p. = 70-75° C. 11 —CH₂—CH₂—OH m.p. = 115-117° C. 12

m.p. = 126-128° C. 13

m.p. = 91-92° C. 14

log P = 1.39; λ = 219 and 243 nm 15

m.p. = 98-99° C. 16

m.p. = 83-85° C. 17

m.p. = 81-83° C. 18

m.p. = 162-163° C. 19

m.p. = 196° C. 20

m.p. = 122-125° C. 21

m.p. = 83-84° C. (Decomp.) 22

m.p. = 129-130° C. 23

m.p. = 135-136° C. 24

m.p. = 88-89° C. 25

m.p. = 89-90° C. *) The log P values were determined in accordance withEEC Directive 79/831 Annex V. A8 by HPLC (Gradient method,acetonitrile/0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid). **) The λ values denotemaxima in the UV spectrum.

USE EXAMPLES Example A

Pyricularia Test (Rice)/Induction of resistance

Solvent: 2.5 parts by weight of acetone

Emulsifier: 0.06 parts by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent, and theconcentrate is diluted with water and the stated amount of emulsifer tothe desired concentration.

To test for resistance-reducing activity, young rice plants are sprayedwith the preparation of active compound at the stated application rate.5 days after the treatment, the plants are inoculated with an aqueousspore suspension of Pyricularia oryzae. The plants are subsequentlyplaced in a greenhouse at 100% relative atmospheric humidity and atemperature of 25° C.

Evaluation is carried out 4 days after the inoculation. 0% means anefficacy which corresponds to that of the control, while an efficacy of100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and tests results are shown in theTable below.

TABLE A Pyricularia Test (Rice)/Induction of resistance Application rateof active compound Active compound in g/ha Efficacy in % According tothe invention:

750 90 (9)

750 90 (10)

750 90 (1)

750 90 (13)

750 100  (14)

750 90 (15)

750 90 (16)

Example B

Phnedon Larvae Test

Solvent: 7 parts by weight of dimethylformamide

Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent andemulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desiredconcentration.

Cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea) are treated by being dipped into thepreparation of active compound of the desired concentration andpopulated with larvae of the mustard beetle (Phaedon cochleariae) whilethe leaves are still moist.

After 7 days, the kill is determined and expressed in per cent. Anefficacy of 100% means that all beetle larvae have been killed, while anefficacy of 0% means that no beetle larvae have been killed.

Active compounds, active compound concentrations and test results areshown in the Table below.

TABLE B Phaedon Larvae Test/plant-damaging insects Concentration ofactive Kill in compound in % after Active compound % by weight 7 d

0.1 100 (3)

Example C

Plutella Test

Solvent: 7 parts by weight of dimethylformamide

Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent andemulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desiredconcentration.

Cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea) are treated by being dipped into thepreparation of active compound of the desired concentration andpopulated with caterpillars of the diamond-back moth (Plutellaxylostella) while the leaves are still moist.

After 7 days, the kill is determined and expressed in per cent. Anefficacy of 100% means that all caterpillars have been killed, while anefficacy of 0% means that none of the caterpillars have been killed.

Active compounds, active compound concentrations and test results areshown in the Table below.

TABLE C Plutella Test/plant-damaging insects Concentration of activecompound Kill in % Active compound in % by weight after 7 d

0.1 100 (4)

0.1 100 (14)

0.1 100 (20)

0.1 100 (21)

0.1 100 (23)

Example D

Venturia Test (Apple)/protective

Solvent: 47 parts by weight of acetone

Emulsifier: 3 parts by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent andemulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desiredconcentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with thepreparation of active compound at the stated application rate. After thespray coating has dried on, the plants are inoculated with an aqueousconidia suspension of the causative organism of apple scab Venturiainaequalis and then remain in an incubation cabin at approximately 20°C. and 100% relative atmospheric humidity for 1 day.

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at approximately 21° C. and arelative atmospheric humidity of approximately 90%.

Evaluation is carried out 12 days after the inoculation. 0% means anefficacy which corresponds to that of the control, while an efficacy of100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in theTable below.

TABLE D Venturia Test (Apple)/protective Application rate of activecompound Active compound in g/ha Efficacy in % According to theinvention:

100 96 (6)

Example E

Leptosphaeria nodorum Test (Wheat)/protective

Solvent: 10 partsbyweightofN-methyl-pyrrolidone

Emulsifier: 0.6 parts by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weightof active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent andemulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desiredconcentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with thepreparation of active compound at the stated application rate. After thespray coating has dried on, the plants are sprayed with a sporesuspension of Leptosphaeria nodorum. The plants remain in an incubationcabin at 20° C. and 100% relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at a temperature ofapproximately 15° C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of 80%.

Evaluation is carried out 10 days after (he inoculation. 0% means anefficacy which corresponds to that of the control, while an efficacy of100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in theTable below.

TABLE E Leptosphaeria nodorum Test (Wheat)/protective Application rateof active compound in Efficacy Active compound g/ha in % According tothe invention:

250 81 (16)

What is claimed is:
 1. An isothiazolecarboxamide of the formula

in which R represents a radical of the formula

or  —CH₂—CH₂—O—R⁹ in which R⁷ represents alkyl having 1 to 4 carbonatoms, R⁸ represents alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R⁹ representshydrogen or a radical of the formula


2. An isothiazolecarboxamide of claim 1 which is


3. A composition for protecting plants against attack by undesirablemicroorganisms comprising an effective amount of at least oneisothiazole-carboxamide of the formula (I) according to claim 1, inaddition to an extender and/or a surfactant.
 4. A method for protectingplants against attack by undesirable microorganisms comprising applyingan effective amount of an isothiazole-carboxamide of the formula (I)according to claim 1 to the plants and/or their habitat.
 5. A processfor preparing an isothiazolecarboxamide of the formula (I) according toclaim 1 comprising the steps of a) reacting3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5carbonyl chloride of the formula

 with an amine of the formula H₂N—R  (III)  in which R is as defined inclaim 1, or b) reacting 3,4-dichloro-isothiazole-5-carboxamide of theformula

 with a hydroxyl compound of the formula HO—CH₂—X  (V)  in which Xrepresents a radical of the formula

 in which R⁸ is as defined above, in the presence of a diluent and inthe presence of a dehydrating agent.
 6. A process for preparing acomposition for protecting plants against attack by undesirablemicroorganisms, characterized in that an isothiazole-carboxamide of theformula (I) according to claim 1 is mixed with an extender and/or asurfactant.